Insulating Paint?

[paleogryph]

I saw an ad for some insulating paint the other day on a web site. I went to their site and read some of their customers comments and some proof they showed of how much $ could be saved by using this paint. It either comes as an additive or as ready to go paint. Both interior and exterior.

Anyone ever use this stuff and have any recomendations?

thanks!

[CurtisS]

Do you have a web site address so we can see the site as well? I wouldn't think that any paint would have much insulating quality.
Thanks.

Ciao for now!

CurtisS

[paleogryph]

http://www.insuladd.com/

[mjpliv]

Hey, if something sounds too good to be true there is usually a reason.

If you breeze through the formulas in the "testing" section of their web site it definately looks pretty professional and very impressive. If you read the concluding comments which would appear to be written by the testing agency, they seem to say that the product has some value, but so do other, typical paint products.

The table with all of the claims of "doubled" R values clearly indicates that it was written by the company trying to sell the stuff and does not necessarily indicate the findings of the testing agency.

Add to this whole idea that you are adding a foreign substance to a paint product, guess what happens to any warrenties (implied or otherwise) of the paint manufacturer. Most quality latex paints stay clean by chaulking on the surface which is continuously being washed off by the elements. What happens when all these "microscopic hollow ceramic spheres" work their way to the surface?

Buyer beware, thats all I can add!

[jjcold]

could this be an example of paint that is meant to also serve as the vapor barrier? I actually came to this forum looking for information on the type of paint that serves as vapor barrier, is this common or new?

[Tom R]

Insulating Paint?? - - unless it's put out by 'NASA', - - I very much doubt it. 8)

[Dragon]

Everything helps?

:roll:

[roger g]

I read somewhere that if you can get your paint to be 3 1/2 inches thick then it is equal to R12 and if you add a few more layers and get it up to 6 inches thick then you would have R20.
Shame on you nay sayers who says it's not true.


roger

[giddonah]

paint to be 3 1/2 inches thick

:shock: How much would that cost? :lol:

[Tom R]

And when could you have the job done?? :lol:

[jrhode]

could this be an example of paint that is meant to also serve as the vapor barrier? I actually came to this forum looking for information on the type of paint that serves as vapor barrier, is this common or new?

I know this reply may be a little late, but...

I don't think it's new, but it is certainly to common, for me anyway. Out of all the builders I work for, there's only one that specs it. Also, it's typically a vapor-barrier primer only. If you're painting over bare drywall i highly suggest using a latex/acrylic/water-base rather than an oil based primer. The oil will raise the fibers in the drywall paper and the surface won't be very smooth. Unless you either like that look or really like sanding. You can use whatever paint you want on top of it, though.

Personally, I think it is just a sales gimmick for the builder. I know for a fact that one of my competitors that does work for the same builder doesn't use it, even though it's spec'd. But they're a lot cheaper and that's what matters for this builder, not quality. I'm not sure that it really makes any difference.

Sorry for the mini-rant.

[GiantScale]

This may be late as well. But a sales man brought us some insulating paint to the shop. He had a piece of steel about 6" long with 1/2 of it painted with one coat. He had us hold the steel and then heated the other end with a torch. I could not believe how long the paint kept my fingers from burning. We have used it on chilled water pipes and they dont sweat anymore. If your interested I will get the name. Its out there. Not cheap though.

[Sparks]

If you'll be so kind, sure, get the name of the paint. I would be interested in learning more about it.

[Tom R]

All right, - - I'll bite, too, - - interested, - - but skeptical. Let's hear more about it.

[GiantScale]

I tried to find the name but failed. I did find out it was a ceramic based paint.

This is not the same paint we used on chillers, but looks more suited for this forum. Search for ceramic or insulating paint if you want more.

http://www.new-technologies.org/ECT/Civil/supertherm.htm
http://www.insuladd.com/
http://www.mascoat.com/
http://alsnetbiz.com/insulate/

[Sweep]

The only thing insulating about "insulating paint" is its name. There is a big difference between a "thermal break" that allows you to hold a hot object and insulation that slows the transfer of heat through a wall enough to keep your house warm. Ask that guy to cool the unpainted end of that piece of steel to 30 below zero and then put his tongue on the painted end.